Defending Israel and Zionism -
WorId Union of Jewish Students

Defending Israel and Zionism -
WorId Union of Jewish Students

Introduction

The World
Union of Jewish Students ( http://www.wujs.org.il ) has published an excellent
handbook for student advocacy of Israel, written by J. Blume & A. Benjamin The entire handbook in PDF format is
available from them. What is particularly excellent about this book is that it tries to be inclusive, and to find room
for all shades of legitimate Zionist opinion.

These pages reproduce excerpts and highlights from that Hasbara Handbook, adapted for US standard spelling and
usage and with emphasis added in a few places.

Some text has been changed or added - indicated in this italic navy font.

Introduction - HASBARA HANDBOOK (Advocacy for Zionism and Israel)

Writing this handbook has been a difficult task. Trying to strike a balance
between support for Israel, and a realisation that some
things just aren’t black and white has been our goal. We hope that what has resulted is useful to Jewish students
everywhere, and that ultimately Israel is strengthened through our efforts.

Jewish students in the Diaspora are not unconditional
supporters of Israel, just as Israelis have different political
preferences. Unfortunately, many Jewish students express their dissatisfaction with some government action or other by
ignoring Israel, giving up on her just when she needs the most help and support. In our Hasbara Handbook we have rejected the old-fashioned position which states that every Jewish student
must support everything that Israel does. Rather, we believe, Israel is an imperfect country, invariably run by
imperfect governments. Mistakes are made, approaches are taken that are hard to understand, but one thing remains
constant – the Jewish state has a right to exist, and her citizens have a right to safety.

That the Palestinian leadership has made some serious
strategic mistakes is not in doubt. No doubt, they will do again. But
Israel is not perfect, and only a fool would pretend that she is. When
confronted with atrocities such as terror attacks on teenagers, we can campaign hard on campus for the sake of Jews in
Israel without believing that Israel is perfect. Israel shouldn’t have to
present herself as without problems – just as no other country does. All around the world governments are attempting to
tackle racism, poverty, prejudice – and Israel is no different. But if a young soldier at a road-block panics when
attacked by rocks and petrol bombs, if somebody is injured as a result of human error, Jewish students often despair and
lose their faith in Israel just when she most needs support.

The reluctance of Jewish students to get behind
Israel unconditionally is probably connected to the gradual shift in our
generation towards attempting to find personal meaning in Judaism. Very few young Jews will do things merely because a
Jewish organization or authority mandates them. We are individuals looking to enrich our lives through Jewish
engagement. We are proudly ethical, and proudly independent. This Hasbara Handbook
attempts to acknowledge all of this, whilst providing Jewish students with the tools to defend Israel as a
country in an intelligent and thinking way. Different responses to issues are legitimate and some Jewish students will
be reluctant to defend some Israeli government action: the most important thing, we believe, is that Jewish students do
what they can to explain the huge complexity of the problems and dangers facing Israel, to lobby for support for Israel,
and pressure for an end to Palestinian violence.

Practically speaking, this
Hasbara Handbook has attempted to show that different positions exist on issues, and
that the pro-Israel banner is very wide indeed. In general we have presented a fairly centrist line, in an attempt not
to offend anybody, but we have included other opinions too, and attempted to remain aware of the subtleties of the
debates. We have also explicitly tackled some of the dilemmas facing Jewish activists, and talked about when it’s
legitimate to criticize Israel, what to do about policies one doesn’t agree with... and so
on. We hope that the product is something that Jewish students feel comfortable with.

This document is evolving all the time on the WUJS
website at www.wujs.org.il – we will incorporate suggestions, add
articles that students suggest are necessary, and keep up to date with the latest news developments. Please join the
growing community of Jewish activists who are keen to share their ideas and expertise. Together we can help Israel
and help each other.

Jewish students need the tools to defend themselves against anti-Semitic
and anti-Zionist attacks, to help Israel in her fight against violence and drive for
peace, and to enrich their connection to the people of Israel.

Please dig deep to find the strength to be pro-active, to help Israel, and spread a message of peace and
non-violence.